Sesamum indicum Linn. is an erect, highly branched, glandular, pubescent, and annual herb with 30-60 cm height. Leaves are ovate and 7.5-12.5 cm long and lower ones long. Flowers are 1-3 together in leaf axils, terminal, and leafy recemes. Bracteoles are inserted at the base of pedicels. Seeds are white, brown or black, 2.0-3.0 x 1.02-2.0 cm, and smooth1.

Occurrence

S. indicumis widely cultivated throughout the plains in India. It is largely cultivated in different parts of the world, such as India, China, Burma, Mexico, and South America1,2.

Ethnomedicinal Uses in Skin Diseases

Acne

Ground seeds of Sasanum indicum L. (White Sesame seeds) with milk to form paste and applied topically on infected area for the treatment of acne in District Ghotki (Sindh).

Wound

Oil of S. indicum is mixed in butter and applied topically on infected area for the treatment of wounds in District Sukkur (Sindh).

Hand Burn

Oil of S. indicum is applied topically on affected area for the treatment of hand burn in District Tando Muhammad Khan (Sindh).

TineaCapititis

Oil of S. indicum(250 mL) is mixed with four tablespoons of LawsoniainermisL. (Henna) powder to form pasteand applied on affected area of scalp for the treatment of Tineacapitis in District Tando Muhammad Khan (Sindh).

Abscess

Leaves S. indicum are to form paste and applied on affected area for the treatment of abscess in District Sanghar (Sindh).

Sesame seeds are used to treat alopecia, burn, dermatosis, inflammation, scabies, snake bite, scorpion bite, and warts4. A plaster of its seed is applied to burns and scalds. Extremely fresh leaves are applied in skin problems1. Seeds are laxative, emolient, tonic, diuretic, and lactagogue5. Paste of seeds is applied to burns, scalds, and piles2. It possesses antioxidant and syneregistic properties6,7. Oil of seeds once applied to cutaneous lesions of leprosy7. Sesame seeds are taken orally for the prevention of premature hair loss and graying, it strengthens bones, and teeth8.